The melon (Cucumis melo) is a herbaceous plant stolon monoica. It is cultivated for its fruit, berry summer season with a high content of moisture and sweetness.
The plant has soft, hairy stems that grow at ground level. Its leaves are ribbed and petiole are palmate, ie it looks like that of a hand. The flowers are yellow and each has only one sex.

Fruit
Fruit shape ranges from spherical to ellipsoidal. In so-called banana melons are undulations make them look like a pumpkin. Its size is dependent on variety and growing conditions.

Properties:
Uses: The fruit is diuretic, stomach, eupeptic, demulcent, nutritive. The seeds and roots have emetic effect. A serving of 100g. Provides over half the recommended daily dose of vitamin C. Its content of beta carotene, which are converted to vitamin A, both antioxidants, making it an effective ally against cancer and heart disease. It is excellent cleanser and rehydration. It has a high water content. He brings a lot of carbohydrates, as sucrose, but its low energy content is ideal for losing weight. Calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus are other virtues for the body.

Varieties:
We distinguish various types, with many varieties within each type, which differ in their appearance, their properties and mode of cultivation. The types are grown Charentais melon, cantaloupe, cantaloupe Italian, western shipper, shipper eartern yellow toad skin, honey dew, tendral, Ananas, Galia, and Earl crenshaw Japanese.